Wedding Planner Book-Catering and Cakes

The food you serve will be one of the highlights of your reception, so it’s very important to make sure that you hire a great caterer. Be aware that some reception halls require you to use one of their own caterers, but they will usually have a list for you to choose from. Make a list of possible caterers. You can often look at the menus they offer on their websites. When you have chosen a few candidates, write down their information in your wedding planner book and make appointments to meet with each of them.

When you do meet with the caterers, make sure you have a menu in mind. This will help you determine if each caterer really offers what you want. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples of the food before each appointment. You want the best quality for your money (catering can be expensive), and you don’t want to be surprised on your wedding day if the main dish tastes awful. Write down your impressions of each caterer in your planner. Don’t forget to include the price per guest in your notes! This will help you make your decision later on. When you do choose a caterer, make sure that he or she is available during your reception and make your reservation early. It’s also important to ask if the catering company will serve the food or if they simply drop it off at the reception. If they don’t serve, you need to find someone who can do it for you.

Your guests might also be looking forward to the moment when you and your spouse shove cake into each others faces. Why not start a new marriage with a little bit of light-hearted violence? Keep in mind that choosing a cake can be about as simple as choosing a new car. There are countless flavors and designs to choose from, and you may want your cake to match the theme or style of your wedding. Chances are it will sit on display until you cut into it, so it needs to add to your décor rather than detract from it. Again, magazines and internet websites are an excellent source for helping you choose your cake. Cut out or print any pictures you find and store them in your wedding planner guide book. Your cake decorator will probably have a portfolio to show you as well, but it will help if you already have a design in mind. Oftentimes you can show two or three pictures to the cake decorator, and she will be able to create a custom cake based on your ideas. It is much easier to find inspiration from pictures than it is to describe something straight from your imagination. (Pictures can also help spark that imagination, if you were at a loss for ideas.)

Choosing a cake decorator is just as important as choosing a caterer. Again, write notes about several decorators in your wedding planner book. Ask to taste samples, if possible, and choose the decorator that can offer you the cake you desire at a cost you can afford. Ask your cake decorator what time she will be available to drop the cake off at your reception. You certainly don’t want your cake to be late! She might also have a knife and spade you can use. Be sure to find out if she will serve the cake (or another sheet cake if you don’t want to give away your own cake) to the guests as well.